Beyond the Classroom: Arabic and Asian Music

 

Mashrou’ Leila


How many Lebanese indie rock groups can you name? Well, if you know Mashrou’ Leila, you know one.


Like I did in the African blog, I went down a rabbit hole on this one and found this band. Mashrou’ Leila is a 4 piece indie rock group that started in 2008. They're centered in Beirut, the capitol of Lbanon, but since they acquired some fame, they've toured all over the world and I can see why... they're really good. Even though they're based in Lebanon, their music sounds very music like American indie rock, but it's in Arabic. The song I included is a very poetic love song, but they also make music that speaks on the struggles of being a Lebanese person. 


Tabla creativity 

From what I've noticed so far, drums seem to be the most sharable instrument between cultures because they are sources of rhythm. Every culture has rhythm, so cultures can use each others drums. One of my favorite drums is the Tabla. What I like about it is the uniqueness of it's pitch. I think it provides many opportunities for creativity. For example... just look at this 

Zakir Hussain is a Tabla master and he's very willing to share his playing with anyone, even if they're across the globe. I love this because I wish I could hear the Tabla in everything. The above video is the Tabla in a Berklee ensemble. The tabla is played along side electric guitar, cello, electric piano, and more.

Qanun

Here I am... curious about tuning once again, only this time, about the Qanun, the "lap harp" we talked about in class. First of all, there are 25 sets of 3 strings, so that's a lot of strings to tune. They are usually tuned diatonically, but to a Maqam. Since there are so many strings, there are actually different temperament systems that players use and there is no standard temperament system for the Qunun, it's pretty much up to the player.




Comments

  1. Tanner SmithJanuary 24, 2022 at 12:16 PM

    I found the Mashrou’ Leila band to be very interesting, because I have never heard of any Lebanese indie rock groups. The tabla drum was interesting to learn about and I did not realize it had a unique pitch. Also, the Quanun was cool to learn about and I found it interesting that it is referred to as the “lap harp”. Thank you for sharing!

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  2. Aidan O'DonnellJanuary 24, 2022 at 4:52 PM

    This was very well done, Kerrigan. It was cool reading this after talking about the Tabla in class today. It really is a interesting instrument that sounds like an easy concept but is really quite complex. The Mashrou’ Leila was also really cool to hear. It's fun trying to listen for the Arabic styles in it. Really well done!

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  3. Music MaddiJanuary 26, 2022 at 6:24 PM

    Now I know a Lebanese indie rock band, thank you Kerrigan! I have to say the tabla is one of the most interesting instruments I've ever seen. It's "just a drum" but it's a complicated and neat drum! There's a distinct sound that I heavily relate with Indian music. Also, I hope at some point in my life, I'll have the chance to play the Qanun. If I do, you're welcome to join!

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